Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mental health care for children blasted
I have found the system wanting in areas such as lengthy wait times KOULLA YIASOUMA YESTERDAY
NORTHERN Ireland’s mental health system for children has “alarming gaps”, a damning report revealed yesterday.
The year-long review also hit out at “unacceptable failings” in services for youngsters suffering psychological crises.
Northern Ireland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People said she was distressed by the findings, which showed over-dependance on medication and limited emergency care.
Koulla Yiasouma added she initiated the Still Waiting review because of growing concern about services after discovering a
“shortsighted lack of investment”.
She said: “The system is under pressure and must reform urgently to respond to the scale of need and complexity of issues our young people have.
“I have found the system wanting in areas such as lengthy waiting times, the high proportion of children not being accepted to specialist services, problems with access to services for children with learning difficulties, or drug and alcohol issues, unacceptable failings in the care of children in mental health crises, and reliance on the use of medication to treat mental ill health.”
One young woman told the Mirror of her struggle to secure help following a life-long battle with depression.
She claimed she faced many obstacles and felt “fobbed off” when given anti-depressants.
The woman added she only attended her first counselling session five years after first seeing her doctor.
She said: “Mental health is not treated as an emergency. I am determined to fight my mental health issues but what I really need is someone to help me. “I have battled this from a young age. My head and heart were numb.
“It is hard for young people as there is not enough support and doctors don’t get it. “I wish I had found support sooner. Teachers and other health professionals could be trained to spot signs of depression and anxiety.”
The Department of Health said: “We welcome today’s report and it is clear Northern Ireland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People has invested much effort into this timely piece of work.”